Nick Khan: WWE, Media Power, and the Future of Sports Entertainment · 28:14

In this episode of On Stage, Nick Khan, President of WWE and Board Member of TKO Group Holdings, joins Abraham Madkour, Publisher & Executive Editor of Sports Business Journal, for a candid conversation on the evolution of sports entertainment and the business strategy driving WWE’s next chapter.  Recorded on April 15, 2026, at SBJ’s CAA World Congress of Sports in Los Angeles, the discussion explores how WWE continues to grow as a global media property while adapting to changing consumer habits, platform dynamics, and fan expectations.    Throughout the conversation, Khan shares insights on:  - The TKO Era: How WWE fits into the broader vision of TKO and the opportunities created by scale and consolidation.   - Media Rights & Distribution: The changing economics of live content and why premium sports entertainment remains uniquely valuable.   - Global Expansion: WWE’s international strategy and the continued growth of live events and fan engagement worldwide.   - Storytelling & Talent: Why character development and audience connection remain central to WWE’s success.   - Leadership & Negotiation: Lessons from Khan’s path through sports media, talent representation, and executive leadership.   It’s an insightful look at the intersection of media, entertainment, and live sports from one of the most influential dealmakers in the industry.  🔔Subscribe to SBJ on YouTube: https://bit.ly/41bbXaV 🔔Sign up for our FREE newsletter, SBJ 360. Get a concise, high-level overview of the most important stories shaping the sports industry—delivered to your inbox each weekday: https://bit.ly/4eCzx8C #wwe #tko #sportsmedia #netflix #boxing #zuffaboxing 00:00 – Canelo Superfight, Netflix Deal & Record Gate 01:20 – Zuffa Launch & Competing with UFC and WWE 03:40 – Podcast Intro & Nick Khan Interview Setup 04:30 – WWE Growth: Media Rights & Global Strategy 06:40 – Event Sales, Records & Market Trends 07:50 – Why Las Vegas Is a Sports Event Powerhouse 09:10 – Growing Up in Vegas: Boxing & Sports Culture 10:45 – Early Fandom: Wrestling, Cheap Tickets & Access 12:20 – Law School, Hustle Mindset & Career Motivation 13:45 – Side Jobs, WrestleMania & Early Experiences 15:10 – Bad Usher Stories & Learning Through Failure 16:30 – Leaving Law & Transitioning Careers 18:10 – CAA, Talent Representation & WWE Path 20:00 – WWE Leadership, Family Business & TKO Growth 22:00 – Global Expansion, Saudi Events & Future Strategy 24:30 – Fan Feedback, Pricing Strategy & Ticket Demand 26:00 – Leadership Advice: Work Ethic, Culture & Career Lessons 27:20 – Industry Outlook & Final Thoughts

June 1, 2026